Children’s Race continues to attract runners

AMMAN — Hundreds of students registered for the 4.2km Children’s Race of the Amman International Marathon that is going to be held on Friday at the King Hussein Park.

Lina Kurd, Run Jordan general manager, told The Jordan Times that the event is expected to witness a huge turnout.

“We have so far hundreds of students representing various schools who registered to be part of this event and I am sure more will join,” she said.

“The marathon is divided according to age groups and aimed at promoting sports as a lifestyle. Run Jordan believes that by starting the awareness campaign at an early stage we will be able to create a generation who believes in living healthy,” she added.

The age categories include students between 6-8, 9 -11 and 12-14, year olds.

The race is expected to attract more than 2,000 participants this year, including many from the Junior Runners Programme, representing all districts where the programme has been implemented so far.

“The Junior Runners Programme is one of Run Jordan annual activities that was established to help schoolchildren to get active early and for life by providing them the tools, motivation, and support to live happier, healthier lifestyles, through providing them fun running experiences,” Kurd said. 

“The programme also aims at promoting long-distance running at both private and government schools throughout Jordan, thereby empowering boys and girls aged 6-14 to achieve things that they never thought possible,” she added.

The race’s start and finish lines will be at the main parking area at the King Hussein Park to allow easier access for participants and larger space for the children to enjoy the after race party that is being prepared, according to Kurd.

Run Jordan, the organiser, is also working hard on the preparation for the 8th edition of the Samsung Amman Marathon, the most popular running event in the Kingdom, which will be held October 28 with the participation of runners from all over the world.

The event, held under the patronage of HRH Prince Firas, consists of three races: 42km Full Marathon, 21km Half Marathon and a 10km Fun Run.

“This year’s slogan is ‘Run to the Heart of the City of Amman’ and we are promoting Amman as the city of healthy living for all. The marathon’s mission extends beyond competitive, touristic or health aspects as 20 per cent of the proceeds go to charitable associations across multiple sectors,” she said.

“The feeling of running for a good cause is unmatched and at the same time it opens the eyes of people that by adopting running I can improve my health and be a role model for the younger generation that is why we encourage families to join the marathon with their kids,” she added.

Run Jordan was established in 2013, and aims to position the Kingdom as an international sporting venue and to support and supplement the work of the official sporting bodies particularly the Jordan Olympic Committee and the Jordan Athletics Federation.